HIGH COMMISSIONER

Hokitika Guardian, 11 November 1933, Page 3

HIGH COMMISSIONER

NO appointment MADE

G OYER X MENT ’ S DIFFICULTY

WELaxXGTON, November ■ 8

Indications are that either there wid be an interregnum in London or an -extension for some’ time of Sir Thomas Wilford’s term fis High Commissioner before a new High Commissioner tor New Zealand is appointed.. Sir Thomas Wilford’s extended term will expire at the end of this year.

The Prime Minister was, .asked in Christchurch last week if lie could intlicato when a successor to gir Thomas Wilford was likely ’to be appointed. Mr F orbes said that when he was in London Sir Thomas had indicated to him that he would like to be relieved of the High Commissionership when his term expired, as. lie was feeling the strain of a strenuous life. He hoped to .live iu England while enjoying a .spell.

However, it was being found difficult to obtain a successor for Sir Thomas Wilford. continued the Prime • Minister. With the salary paid to New Zealand’s London representative, it essential for ..him to have private means to be able to live up to the financial standard- set abroad, particularly as Canada, Australia and South Africa paid their High Coinmissoners much more than New Zealand paid hers. New Zealand was *’a small country, but the High Cominissoner has to keep pace with the representatives of other Dominions. ■"/ Mr Forbes said that the Government was having difficulty in .finding' a man with private means and the necessary qualifications for the task. The appointment could not be made for some time yet, lie considered, and certainly not iu time for, a new , High Commissioner to take up his, duties from the date 011 which Sir Thomas’ term expired.